I know I have mentioned in a couple posts that my youngest child Sahara was born with EXTREME Clubfeet. The Dr's told us the day she was born she might not walk because this was the worse case they have seen. Wow, that was a lot of news on the day she was born. I didn't know before hand that she had clubfeet so it was a big whammy for us! Her first day of life she had 2 casts put on her. Those things were heavy! Breastfeeding and holding those legs up were a challenge.
Years later she is walking, running, and now dancing. She has had several years of castings, braces, two surgeries and many hours of physical therapy but her feet still turn in a bit. This doesn't stop her a bit except at school. The only time it is really noticeable is when she runs.
This year Sahara is at a new school and the kids are not familiarized with her disability. They tease her all the time and she comes home crying almost everyday. They mimic her, call her names, and laugh at her. I mentioned first to the teacher but she did nothing so I went to the Principal and she took action as soon as I told her. The Principal pulled in the kids that were making fun of Sahara and let her tell her story- she had a voice. The Principal told me that Sahara did this with poise and extreme confidence. They talked about safety first for their bodies and hearts, recognizing the many individual differences they have and how those differences make them unique, acknowledging that they should, at school, take care of each other and make certain they do their best to help each other feel great about them selves and recognize each others beauty.
As a mom I really appreciate the principal not brushing me off like the teacher did "kids will be kids" is what I was told. Really...well my child is going to fight back and let it be known she doesn't deserve to be picked on! Or Mama Bear will appear, LOL!
I know I was picked on for my red hair and being overweight through out school. I will always be there for my kids and we will always stand up to those who might need a bit more education about what clubfeet is and how this is something she is not doing on purpose.
Do you have any advice on how I should handle future incidents at school?
Years later she is walking, running, and now dancing. She has had several years of castings, braces, two surgeries and many hours of physical therapy but her feet still turn in a bit. This doesn't stop her a bit except at school. The only time it is really noticeable is when she runs.
This year Sahara is at a new school and the kids are not familiarized with her disability. They tease her all the time and she comes home crying almost everyday. They mimic her, call her names, and laugh at her. I mentioned first to the teacher but she did nothing so I went to the Principal and she took action as soon as I told her. The Principal pulled in the kids that were making fun of Sahara and let her tell her story- she had a voice. The Principal told me that Sahara did this with poise and extreme confidence. They talked about safety first for their bodies and hearts, recognizing the many individual differences they have and how those differences make them unique, acknowledging that they should, at school, take care of each other and make certain they do their best to help each other feel great about them selves and recognize each others beauty.
As a mom I really appreciate the principal not brushing me off like the teacher did "kids will be kids" is what I was told. Really...well my child is going to fight back and let it be known she doesn't deserve to be picked on! Or Mama Bear will appear, LOL!
I know I was picked on for my red hair and being overweight through out school. I will always be there for my kids and we will always stand up to those who might need a bit more education about what clubfeet is and how this is something she is not doing on purpose.
Do you have any advice on how I should handle future incidents at school?
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